CAIRO: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and Josep Borrell, the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy of the EU, have stressed their readiness to work together to achieve a breakthrough to ease the crisis in the Gaza Strip. Shoukry met Borrell on the sidelines of the 60th Munich Security Conference on Sunday. The parties discussed in depth the latest developments in the security and humanitarian situations in Gaza. Shoukry and Borrell exchanged their assessments and the results of contacts with various regional and international parties, with a view to breaking the deadlock in the region. They also discussed a number of initiatives which look to end the crisis by achieving an immediate ceasefire and exchanging detainees, as well as enhancing the delivery of humanitarian aid. The parties shared their concerns about the current situation in Gaza. Shoukry stressed the importance of international actors putting pressure on Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza, and any attempts to displace the people of the region or harm the Palestinian cause. The two sides also discussed tensions in the Red Sea in connection with the crisis in Gaza. Shoukry praised Borrell’s support and his efforts to end the war, which have been reflected in recent statements about the need for the US to put pressure on Israel to stop hostilities, and to cease the delivery of weapons to Israel. Borrell affirmed support for the pivotal role played by Egypt in attempting to stop the war and help reduce the consequences of the conflict. He later wrote on X: “Met today with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry to discuss joint efforts to avert a looming humanitarian disaster in Rafah, and our work toward implementing the two-state solution.”